Public invited to Walk of Fame unveiling coming up on Saturday

The work is done, the statues are in place. Now its time to show off the hard work of artisans and fundraisers for the Cedartown Sports Walk of Fame this weekend.

The community is invited to come see the results of nearly two decades of work and creative talent in a public ceremony on Saturday at 11 a.m. put into making the six athletes immortalized in bronze.

The figures of Howard “Doc” Ayers, Ray Beck, Edgar Chandler, Jimmy Hightower, Doug Sanders, and Whitlow Wyatt produced by artist and sculptor Julia Knight over more than a year’s work to produce the frames, clay models, molds and final bronzed pieces in life-sized form and in iconic poses.

The project – which was first conceived more than 18 years ago and has been an ongoing effort after approval since 2013 – is funded by gifts and donations from the families and friends of the athletes, the W.D. Trippe Trust, the Doc Ayers/Ray Beck Community Foundation, the Georgia Council for the Arts, local commu- nity donations and the support of the City of Cedartown and Polk County.

Temporary plaques with information about the six figures being honored will be in place for the time being as permanent plaques are finalized and made.

Videos of the ceremony can be ordered for later delivery at the Saturday unveiling. Organizers will also be gathering information about Polk County athletes who have gone on to college and professional careers as part of a future projet as well.